American Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua

American Sweetgum is a fast-growing flowering tree, hardy in USDA zones 5-9, that matures to about 60-80 ft × 40-60 ft. It does best in full sun with medium water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect yellow and green blooms in spring. It attracts moths, pollinators and small mammals, stands up well to compaction, deer and drought.

USDA zones: 5-9
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Mature size: 60-80 ft × 40-60 ft
Spacing: more than 60 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry, Occasionally-wet
Foliage: Yellow, Orange, Purple
Bloom color: Yellow, Green
Bloom season: Spring
Attracts: Moths, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Tough against: Compaction, Deer, Drought, Fire, Heat, Rabbits
Watch out for: Messy — drops litter
Native to: Eastern United States, Mexico

Freeze survival

Will it survive your winters?

We score American Sweetgum’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.